Acne and Weight

Being overweight may be a risk factor for acne in young women. In a study of 2,878 volunteers, all ages 18 or 19, researchers found that women (but not men) who had a BMI over 25 were significantly more likely to have moderate to severe acne than those who had a BMI less than 25, even after accounting for differences in diet. The reason remains unclear; the link did not appear to be influenced by mental distress (which is known to affect both skin and body weight), says Jon Anders Halvorsen, a dermatologist at Oslo University Hospital in Norway. More research is needed to determine whether losing weight can improve skin. In the meantime, Halvorsen advises sufferers of chronic breakouts to seek medical treatment from a dermatologist, as "almost everyone can be helped with their acne."